Washington, D.C. – The American Forest & Paper Association released its October 2018 Printing-Writing Monthly report on November 15.

According to the October 2018 Printing-Writing Monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased four percent in October compared to October 2017. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased two percent from September. Imports of printing-writing papers in September increased four percent compared to September 2017 imports, while exports declined 27 percent compared to September 2017.

Inventory of uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper decreased four percent in October from September, down to the lowest inventory level in at least seven years. Shipments declined two percent year-over-year in October. Exports of UFS papers decreased 43 percent in September compared to September 2017, the largest decrease in at least six years.

Shipments of coated mechanical (CM) papers decreased by more than 10 percent year-over-year for the eighth time in 2018. Imports of CM increased seven percent year-over-year in September.

U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) paper in October increased for the first time since June 2017. Meanwhile, U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased ten percent year-over-year in October. September imports of CFS papers increased 17 percent compared to September 2017, while imports of UM papers decreased three percent compared to last September.